Lawmakers OK off-road vehicles on more Mich. roads

All 83 Michigan counties could allow off-road recreation vehicles on road shoulders under legislation nearing final approval in the Legislature.

AP

All 83 Michigan counties could allow off-road recreation vehicles on road shoulders under legislation nearing final approval in the Legislature.

Current law lets eight counties in the Lower Peninsula and every county in Upper Peninsula authorize the vehicles on shoulders.

Measures approved 103-5 and 101-7 by the House Thursday would allow the vehicles on more roads if municipalities pass an ordinance. Local governments could ask the state transportation department for permission to allow off-road vehicles on highway shoulders.

Another bill approved 80-28 would expand off-road vehicle uses not requiring a license.

Backers say the legislation would boost tourism and complain the off-road vehicle trail system is fragmented and riders should have freedom to travel limited distances. Critics have safety concerns.